Summer Trivia 3: The lively generation

It seems that everyone loves trivia. Reader feedback has been lively since I started testing everyone’s cultural memories two weeks ago. So, while the election trending dust is still settling, let’s make it a triple treat with this last installment (for now) of the Summer Trivia Trilogy.

First off, many responded to the question of what make of car Gemma Cruz was riding. Three readers sent in the apparently correct information that the red sports car was a ’57 Thunderbird. The American car was and still is a staple in car shows. Gemma Cruz Araneta herself texted me to find out where I found that picture. I told her of course that I’m really a basurero at heart and have pictures of most people and places in the city for every decade in the 20th century – not as big a collection as Danny Dolor’s, but substantial nevertheless.

For this week’s offering, most of the pictures are from a December 1963 issue of Adrian Zecha’s The Asia Magazine. I grew up on the great features, writing and photographs (mostly by ace lensman Dick Baldovino) in that weekly. This particular issue was a special on "The Lively Generation," profiling over three dozen young turks of the Sixties and the great promise they represented for the most progressive (at that time) nation in the Far East.

1) No, this is not Bam Aquino but his more illustrious forbear Ninoy. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. was a thirtysomething governor of Tarlac in 1963 with political ambitions and unbridled energy that would have gotten him the presidency if things had turned out differently. Ninoy started even younger as a war correspondent for the Manila Times covering the Korean War. The question: How old was he when he shipped over to Korea?

2) This dapper fellow in the business-only business suit got his master’s at Fordham Economics. He was chairman of the National Economic Council and head of the Land Authority of President Diosdado Macapagal at 36. What was his name?

3) At 37, this Harvard PhD authored a scholarly book on the history of the Philippine government, the first of many that have become basic texts at the UP, which he eventually became president of. He loved motorbikes, archery and poker. Who was this man in the colorful barong overlooking the Oblation?

4) This West Point-trained captain liked to jump off planes, and well, just loved jumping for joy. He also developed a liking for cigars and scuba diving as he rose in rank to the top position of master and commander in chief. He still wields great influence though he never really lights his cigar. Who is he?

5) Modern Philippine sculpture would be lost without this man’s vision. Educated at the famous Cranbrook Academy of Eliel Saarinen, he eventually was honored with the title of National Artist for his body of work that ranged from the sensually silly to the seriously sublime. Who is he? Hint: He sculpted the first modern playgrounds at the Luneta in the 1960s.

6) Before Raul Roco at the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, this erudite columnist for the Times made sure we all got a proper education in the 1960s. He was the one who changed the school calendar to what we have today. Who was he? Hint: He now writes for the Philippine Star.

7) Juan Nakpil was one of our greatest architects. His sons Francisco, Eulogio and Ariston carried on his work, albeit in the fashionable international style of the ‘50s and the ‘60s. The Dick Baldovino portrait of the three shows a model of such a building. What is this Metro Manila landmark and where was it built?

8) This ‘60s industrialist made his fortune in crayons and paint. He spent quality time with his kids including this wild tyke Juno. He later on wrote a popular column and hosted an engaging talk show. Who is he?

9) This vivacious writer made it her mission to gently force us all to appreciate our merrily mixed-up culture. She published a slew of coffee-table books that ‘70s and ‘80s libraries would be incomplete without. They should all be re-issued for a new generation whose idea of culture apparently begins and ends with their cell phones and MP3 players.

She carries on today with her artistic quests in never-ending forms that makes most of us feel we’ve hardly accomplished anything. Who is she?

10) I’ve featured this picture of Imelda Marcos before. This image is for car enthusiasts and not Imelda’s army of fans. What was that (again) red sports car behind her?

11) While we’re on a roll so to speak, what was the make of the car being promoted in this ‘60s advertisement? Modern Makati executives needed to show off their newly achieved status by riding to work from their suburban homes, never mind that these homes were located within walking distance (San Lorenzo, Bel Air, Forbes and Dasmariñas Villages).

12) Finally, a picture for a younger demographic to chew on. Boyish Apa Ongpin was a motoring journalist in the late ‘80s. He endorsed this short-lived non-alcoholic San Miguel beverage. What was this drink called? Added question: A woman’s light beer was also launched about the same time. What was it called?

Answers:

1) 18 years old

2) Sixto Roxas III

3) Dr. Onofre D. Corpuz

4) Captain Fidel V. Ramos

5) Napoleon "Billy" Abueva

6) Alejandro R. Roces

7) The SSS building on East Avenue, Quezon City

8) Larry Henares

9) Gilda Cordero Fernando

10) No, I don’t know the make either but I’m sure I’ll get an answer shortly

11) A Rambler

12) Nab and Lagerlite.

Well that’s it for all this trivia. I’ll have to revert back to more serious topics from next week onwards. Now that we’re through with that regular dose of the ridiculous we call elections, it’s time to get down to the business of making sure we improve our lives and our surroundings.

That issue of The Asia Magazine highlighted the fact that all these men and women were young and full of potential. Where are they now and, more importantly, where is the new generation of Filipino movers and shakers? The thirtysomethings and fortysomethings of our time have yet to make their mark. We have, in fact, very little time left. The elections have shown how old our options have become and how little (visible) substance the younger generation has shown.

I hope we don’t waste more time, our (relative) youth and (still great) opportunity to make something of ourselves and this nation we love.

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Feedback is welcome. Please e-mail the writer at citysensephisltar@hotmail.com.